Everything to Know About East-West Engagement Rings, One of 2025's Top Trends

A few days into 2025, it was unofficially declared that this would be the year of the east-west engagement ring…all thanks to Zendaya, of course. The actress hard-launched her engagement to Tom Holland by debuting her dazzling rock on the Golden Globes red carpet. But once everyone picked their jaws off the floor after the long-awaited confirmation, many were quick to ask, "What's an east-west engagement ring?"

While it's certainly not a new engagement ring trend, the actress launched this modern setting style back into the pop culture lexicon. Since celebrity sparklers are often known to influence trends, we've predicted that east-west engagement rings will be one of the most talked-about styles in the coming months. So, what exactly is it? And what diamonds can you put in an east-west setting? Consider this your comprehensive guide to east-west engagement rings, complete with our favorite places to buy them.

In this article:

• What is an East-West Engagement Ring?
• The Best Diamond Shapes for East-West Engagement Rings
• The Best Band Style for East-West Engagement Rings
• Where to Shop for East-West Engagement Rings

What is an East-West Engagement Ring?

Photo: With Clarity

When you think of a traditional elongated engagement ring, you probably imagine the center stone in a vertical (or north-south) orientation. An east-west engagement ring features the center stone (be it an oval, emerald, pear or marquise) rotated on its side. Dating back to the 1920s, this engagement ring setting style originated during the Art Deco movement. Not only does it enhance the look of a step-cut gemstone, which is the structured faceting pattern seen in emerald and asscher diamonds, placing any gemstone on its side can create an optical illusion that makes it appear larger than it is.

"East–west engagement rings have been a significant trend since 2020," says Marie Audier, CEO of With Clarity. "Late millennial to early Gen Z clients gravitate toward it because it's an expression of individuality, both keeping and breaking tradition. Now, their popularity is only expected to rise since Zendaya's recent engagement."

The Best Diamond Shapes for East-West Engagement Rings

Photo: Michael Buckner/GG2025/Penske Media | Getty Images

Aside from rounds, just about any diamond shape can work in an east-west setting. Zendaya's engagement ring, designed by Jessica McCormack, features a 5-carat oval-shaped diamond set on its side. You can also look for an east-west engagement ring with an emerald, marquise, pear, baguette, cushion or radiant center stone. The beauty of an east-west engagement ring lies in its versatility, as just about any shape works in this style.

For those who want a classic engagement ring with a twist, an east-west setting may be the perfect way to literally flip tradition. "The diamond set horizontally gives the east-west engagement ring a unique spin on a timeless style," says Audier. "The east-west setting is a popular choice because it works well with most diamond shapes, giving a contemporary look."

The Best Band Style for East-West Engagement Rings

While selecting the perfect center stone may be one of the most glamorous parts of engagement ring shopping, choosing the right band is just as important. Any engagement ring band must be sturdy enough to support the center stone, especially if it's on the larger side. According to the International Gem Society, the average engagement ring band size falls between 2mm and 6mm, with 3-4mm being the standard. Any band under 3mm may not be able to safely carry a center stone larger than one carat, so this is one decision not to take lightly. Regardless of your center stone orientation, opting for a thicker band will always offer your gem more safety and security.

Where to Shop for East-West Engagement Rings

Photo: Frank Darling

Where can you buy an east-west engagement ring? The answer is quite simple, as almost any online retailer or jeweler offers this trendy style. Although we always recommend shopping with your partner and trying on styles in person, here are five companies that have incredible east-west engagement rings available to purchase virtually.

With Clarity

Amid the rising popularity of east-west engagement rings, Audier predicts that more With Clarity clients will gravitate toward this buzzy style. "The popularity is only expected to rise since Zendaya's recent engagement," she says. "Celebrities definitely have the power to influence jewelry trends, and we've seen this in the past with Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy and Kate Middleton. Press and celebrity engagements bring momentum to a style people may not have been aware of otherwise. Now that the ring is on their radar, clients become more inclined to explore [east-west engagement rings] themselves."

Marrow Fine

Jillian Sassone, founder of Marrow Fine, is yet another jeweler who has seen a stark increase in requests for east-west engagement rings. "We've seen more demand for east-west settings, especially ovals," she says. "The client profile is often fashion-forward with a clear sense of personal style."

Frank Darling

Looking for an east-west engagement ring with a twist? You may fall in love with Frank Darling's half bezel iteration of this sideways setting. While bezel-set engagement rings typically have the center stone enclosed in a sturdy metal surrounding, the half bezel style allows for more light to refract through the diamond, allowing it to shine brilliantly (while still maintaining the unparalleled security bezels are known for).

Kay Jewelers

Not sold on buying your engagement ring online? Pop into any Kay Jewelers storefront to try a few horizontal styles on IRL. The national retailer offers east-west engagement rings in countless shapes, sizes and colors, with every band style imaginable—all at great price points.

Brilliant Earth

In recent months, Brilliant Earth has emerged as a celebrity-favorite brand for lab-grown engagement rings. We love their wide range of east-west ring styles, especially those that feature additional side stones for an extra pop of sparkle. No such thing as too many diamonds, in our eyes.